GPS-Bodies Break

APR 14  / Sunday – Read Matt 8:1-17 / James 5:14-16 (New Revised Standard Version)

Overview: A dead doctor can’t help you, but a living one can. Resurrection means the Great Physician (God) is still alive and seeing patients.

15 / Mon – Reality  |  Read James 5:14-16 (NRSV) / James 4:2b

Sin has infected the whole world in ways we can see around us. Brokenness is evident everywhere, even in our own lives and bodies. Ever broken a bone, gotten the flu, or needed glasses? Bodies break down. So do our minds, our spirits, our relationships. Before the cross, healing was one of Jesus’ signature ministries. Even more importantly, because Jesus did not remain in the grave, his healing ministry continues today. What do you need healing for? Don’t be afraid to ask your brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for you. Be willing to pray for them too.

16 / Tue – Persistence  |  Read Luke 18:1-8 and 35-43

When you really want or need something, do you ask only once? Probably not if it’s really important to you. God is not offended by the repetition of your requests. Read what Jesus said about this in verse 1.  How did the blind man show persistence in v35-43? What have you been asking God for? Don’t give up. He will always answer. It will either be yes, no, or wait but you can trust Him to do the right thing at the right time. Keep on asking.

17 / Wed – When you get a ‘no’ to your request  |  Read 2 Cor 12:7-10 / Mark 14:36

It can be devastating when you pray for someone’s healing and they die anyway. Jesus healed many but they all eventually died from something. When Paul met Jesus, he became a powerful advocate for the gospel. People were healed by his prayers, but three times God denied Paul’s request for his own healing. How did Paul respond in v10b? Don’t stop asking but understand that God’s no leads to His better plan. Are you willing to pray as Jesus did? Not receiving what you ask for but still trusting God can be a powerful testimony to those who think He is not trustworthy.

18 / Thu – Yes, it was my fault  |  Read Psalm 107:17-22

Sometimes a sickness or malady is a consequence of wrong choices. Is God still willing to heal in those situations? See what happened to the people in this psalm. What did they do in their time of trouble? Can you think of a time when God healed you or rescued you from something you brought upon yourself? Or did you feel too guilty to ask? What do these verses and God’s actions here say about His character and His love? Who else might need to hear these encouraging words?

19 / Fri – Don’t hide the pain  |  Read Psalm 6:2-9 / 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Sometimes a physical ailment or ongoing pain lasts so long a person can feel despair and wonder if God hears or understands. David knew this kind of pain and he did not hide it. Read his lament in Psalm 6. Have you been there? Maybe this is what you are dealing with right now. Cry out to Jesus. He is listening and He does understand (Isaiah 53:3-4). Call on Him to sustain you and He will. He promises to give you the grace you need until your healing comes.

20 / Sat – Consider this  |  Read Matthew 7:7-8

No matter what physical, mental, emotional, financial, or relational pain you are going through right now, you can have hope. Because of the resurrection, Jesus’ promise to take you to live with him someday is rock-solid. Nothing painful will last forever. Your story has a wonderful ending, whether your healing comes here or up there. But while you wait, don’t stop asking, don’t stop seeking, don’t stop knocking. Your answer will come.